2007 Volvo S60

Volvo S60

2008 Volvo S60 T5 Sedan Shown

Exterior

Interior

The Volvo S60 is an established yet unconventional entry in the entry-level luxury sedan market. It competes in a class dominated by cars with normally aspirated V6 engines and bucks the trend by offering a choice of three turbocharged five-cylinder engines instead. Styling is another area in which the Volvo S60 is unique. Even well into its model cycle, this midsize sedan's body lines retain a modern, and pleasing, Scandinavian distinctiveness. Inside, the S60 strikes one as more functional than luxurious in its ambience, but it's hard to find fault with its carefully considered ergonomics and orthopedically designed seats.

Where the S60 does lag behind other entry-luxury sedans is on the performance front. The Swedish sedan's handling dynamics are a bit dull and unpolished compared to newer rivals. Standing starts in the 2.5T and T5 can feel a little sluggish when compared to most competitors featuring larger-displacement six-cylinder engines, and although these Volvos ride smoothly, they're just not as composed over bumps as many of their rivals. It also suffers from a backseat that's lacking in legroom. These issues will likely be resolved only through a redesign. If you're not hung up on such deficiencies, though, this midrange Volvo could be worth a look, particularly if you're searching for an entry-level luxury sedan that doesn't resemble the status quo.

Current Volvo S60

There are three Volvo S60 trim levels -- 2.5T, T5 and R. The base 2.5T is reasonably well-equipped, while the T5 is a bit more athletic, thanks to an extra helping of horsepower, bigger wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. The high-performance R features an even firmer adaptive suspension, 18-inch wheels, performance tires and bi-xenon headlights.

Important options for the S60 include a navigation system and a 13-speaker Dolby sound system. As you might expect, all Volvo S60s are protected by an umbrella full of Volvo safety features -- including stability control, anti-whiplash seats and full-length side curtain airbags -- and have performed extremely well in crash testing.

Each S60 model has its own engine. The S60 2.5T comes with a turbocharged, 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder rated for 208 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission routes power either to the front wheels or all four on all-wheel-drive (AWD) models. Next up is the S60 T5, which features a slightly smaller 2.4-liter inline-5 but uses a higher-boost turbocharger to produce 257 horses and 258 lb-ft of torque -- and a fair amount of turbo lag and torque steer, too. Unfortunately, the T5 is front-wheel-drive only, but buyers have their choice of a five-speed automatic or six-speed manual gearbox.

Finally, there's the high-flying S60 R with a 2.5-liter, high-pressure turbocharged five-cylinder that pumps out 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. All S60 Rs are all-wheel drive, and buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Either way, the S60 R is downright quick, and we think it offers an interesting alternative for enthusiasts looking for something different.

The Volvo S60's cabin is functional but doesn't feel upscale unless you order the leather upholstery and premium audio system. The controls are nicely weighted, but the pictograms placed on the various functions can be difficult to understand for the uninitiated. There's generous seating for four -- five in a pinch -- though rear passengers will find the legroom tight. Trunk capacity measures nearly 14 cubic feet, and the 60/40-split rear seat folds to handle extra-long cargo.

All S60s provide a ride that's biased more toward comfort than speed; handling is adequate but the limits are modest on 2.5T and T5 models. The S60 R is more capable on back roads with its multimode adaptive suspension. Judged on their own, any of the Volvo S60s would be satisfying to own as they offer plenty in the way of comfort, safety and personality. However, with so many newer, more refined rivals crowding this segment, it's a good idea to check out some of the S60's competitors before you buy.

Past Volvo S60 models

Volvo introduced its new S60 front-wheel-drive sedan in 2001 as a replacement for the S70, and the debut immediately injected some enthusiasm and style into Volvo's midsize offerings.

At the time, there was the base 2.4, the midlevel 2.4T and the range-topping T5. The three varied in levels of standard equipment and what kind of engine the car had. The S60 2.4 came with a 2.4-liter five-cylinder engine that produced 168 hp. The turbo 2.4T had 197 hp. The most powerful engine was the 247-hp 2.3-liter five-cylinder in the T5.

An all-wheel-drive model called the 2.4T AWD joined the family in 2002, and all models received enhancements to traction control and engine management systems, resulting in improved response. In 2003, the AWD sedan switched to the current 208-hp 2.5-liter engine, prompting Volvo to rename it the 2.5T AWD. In 2004, the hot-rod 300-hp R was added to the mix. Also that year, the front-drive S60 2.4T became the 2.5T, as it, too, picked up the 2.5-liter engine.

For 2005 the Volvo S60 received an exterior and interior refreshing. The T5 got a bump in horsepower to 257 and a few other upgrades. In 2006, Volvo dropped the base 2.4 model and upgraded the 2.5T AWD model with a new all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction.